ssarchi

Is there a year(s) of C-4's that have turned out to be problematic? It is my understanding that the mechanism was revised sometime during the production of the 964's and greatly simplified. What say you?

kgorman

I say nay. The system was simplified for the 993.

Computamedic

The only significant difference that I know of in the early C4 was the lack of a dual mass flywheel. The MY89 cars had a 19lb single mass flywheel and a different starter motor. The AWD system stayed pretty much the same throughout the production run until the introduction of the viscous coupled system in the 993.

Dave

ssarchi

Thanks for the tip- Assuming that the 993 4wd system is "improved" over the 964's, how reliable have the 964 4wd systems held up over time? Is this a "not ready for primetime" piece of gear?

Anybody have one with over 100k on it who can let me know? thanks

Indycam

"Assuming that the 993 4wd system is "improved" "
That might be a bad assumption . I've been reading this forum for years , very few 4wd problems reported .

"Is this a "not ready for primetime" piece of gear?"
Its very ready for primetime . Its real good .

My 89 has over 100k on it .

Rocket Rob

I would say the 964's all wheel drive system is very reliable. I have 220K miles without problems. My only C-4 related problem was a faulty relay burned up my ABS pump. I wouldn't necessarily blame the C-4 system for that.

Red rooster

The 993 4wd system is a cost cutting system , certainly not a technical improvement over the 964 system !! Just in case I have some Porsche technical viewpoints that agrees with that !
The 993 has a very slightly weak front differential .
Reality is , it comes down to which system do you like. I drove just about everything that Porsche made and decided that the 964 C4 was the one for me.

I strongly getting out there and seeing what you prefer , rather than just listening to other peoples views !

Good luck and all the best,

Geoff

ssarchi

Thanks for the tips- seems like there is no commonly held opinion that the 964's 4wd system was not up to snuff. That's great to hear.
Rob- your car looks great in the avatar- how many miles were on it when the photo was taken?
SS

Rocket Rob

My avatar photo is approx 2 years old. The mileage was approx 210K. I will confess that the paint is starting to show its age. The original paint is getting thin. I have been thinking about getting a full respray but haven't done it yet.

Currently, the car is parked. I started a winter project to replace the clutch myself. The project has taken longer than I expected. I spent a good two weekends cleaning. Its amazing how much dirt accumulates over the years. I have also spent time waiting for parts. I work for a weekend and discover that a part is worn or looking old, I then decide "I might as well" replace it while I'm here. The good news is that I'm in the process of reassembly. The clutch is installed and the tranny reattached to the engine. I will be replacing the engine compartment sound insulation this coming weekend. I plan to have it all finished by April.

Sorry for going off topic. Go drive several different models and let your heart pick the right model. In my case, I had started my search for a 911 looking at 87-89 Carreras but after driving the 964, my choice was clear.

Good luck in your search.

swmic

I recently sold my 96 C4 cab with 26K miles on it. I was not impressed with the 4 wheel properties of the 993. It really did not feel like a true 4 wheel drive system. It seemed very subtle compared to my Audi, but I'm sure that's how it was designed. I had it out in snow one day and had a lot traction problems. The summer tires didn't help. I just purchased a 91 964 C4 coupe (photos coming soon) which I took out in the latest weekend snow storm here on the east coast. With the same type of summer tires, I was very impressed on how the car performed.

Shawn

ssarchi

swmic- now that's the first I have heard of that but heck, sounds like music to my ears.......

911URGE

The 964 AWD drive system is based upon the AWD system that was brutally tested on the Paris-Dakar off road Porsches. I have not come across stories of AWD failures in the 964 unless you count a Longitudinal or Horizontal sensor going bad a failure.

The 993 by comparison went to a simpler AWD system that used a viscous coupling. That coupling can be damaged/broken where as the 964 does not have this coupling.

Also, I believe the 993 AWD system is not a full time AWD system. Its only engaged when needed thus the 993 AWD cars are more RWD than AWD until the moment you need it. If Im wrong on this point someone please correct me.